I was at the library with the kiddo this weekend hunting for some stories. They’re 3, for context. I’m not usually the one getting books, and it took me a little time to find books I was interest in. Found two that turned out to be fun and with some leftist points of view.

First one: “Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type” by Doreen Cronin illustrated by Betsy Lewin.

A book about cows who have a typewriter. They use that typewriter to write letters to the farmer demanding better working conditions. Its a silly book about cows on strike, light hearted but a good message about the power of collective action.

Second one: “The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet!” By Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Eugene Yelchin.

A book about a noisy town where the people sing all day and night. After electing a new mayor, the mayor bans all forms of singing. Until a rooster arrives. Even after the mayor takes away everything the rooster has, the rooster refuses to stop singing. A fun book about speaking truth to power and refusing to be silenced in the face of powerful threats.

In a sea of identity affirming books, it was nice to find these. If you have any similar books feel free to leave them below.

  • Wheaties [comrade/them]@hexbear.netEnglish
    9·
    7 months ago

    Dr. Sues

    The Sneeches, The Lorax, Horton Hears A Who, The Butter Battle Book

    He has other good ones (the places you’ll go, pale green pants, ect) but these have the most explicitly left wing stuff. His writing style was specifically developed in response to stuff like See Spot Run. He wanted kids to have stuff that was actually fun to read, rather than a boring slog. There’s also a lot of books that bear his name and drawings, but are seperate authors cus the publisher and/or him were trying to capitalize on the recognizablity; those aren’t bad, per say, but they are noticeably different in style and execution.

      • Red Wizard 🪄OPEnglish
        4·
        7 months ago

        OK we read that tonight and you are correct! I happened to have an anthology with that one in it.

    • Red Wizard 🪄OPEnglish
      2·
      7 months ago

      I am reporting back to say that Dr. Sues is pretty dope. I had no idea and I’m not even sure why! Kiddo is obsessed with The Lorax, The Sneeches is great, and Horton Hears a Who was kinda intense! But a good message regardless. Im sure the library has the Butter Battle Book, I’ll look for it next time im there.

      Its kind of blowng my mind honestly. I had no idea Dr. Sues was so based lol.

      • Wheaties [comrade/them]@hexbear.netEnglish
        2·
        7 months ago

        Glad to hear! His stuff is great. I feel I should warn you, though, Butter Battle Book is one of those kids books that hits different for adults. It’s about the nuclear arms race – frames it in a way that highlights the absurdity. I listed it ‘cus it’s probably the most explicitly political of Sues’ children’s books, but it’s… it’s heavy.

        This is a short animation he helped produce biased on it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQsPq4y7Q20

        Also, feature length Sues is bad, hollywood really butchers the stories. If you can, point to the short animations.